Use The Kitchen

Hudson Kitchen Food Business Bootcamp

Akron Food Works

Description

Our mission is to bolster regional economic competitiveness by advocating, connecting, inspiring, and mobilizing. We recognize the value of engaging a diverse set of local and regional stakeholders, collaborating across sectors to strengthen opportunities for healthy economic development.

1. Food Business Incubation: While there are business incubators in Akron focusing on the technology industry: Small Business Development Center, BOUNCE Innovation Hub and GAINS, there is no business incubator to-date focused on food businesses.

2. Part-time Kitchen Space: Part of incubating food businesses is providing certified commercial kitchen space for less than 40 hrs/wk, while the businesses are in their early growing stages.

3. Connecting Local Retailers: Reaching customers is the most crucial aspect of a food business (after having a good product). In addition to the network of The Well staff, we will compound our efforts with the consulting experience of CCLK.

4. Funding: A stumbling block for all new businesses is capital. Through partnerships with ASIA, Inc. Micro-Loan Program and private lenders, kitchen users have ready access to a funding source up to $25,000.

Akron Food Works

The Process

The kitchen is rented in as small as 2-hour increments and available 24/7. To operate as a business out of our kitchen, you will need to complete the following: